---
title: "Multiple Cushions on One Bench: Sizing Flush Sections"
url: "https://cushionguide.com/answers/multiple-bench-cushions-flush-sizing/"
section: "The Cutting Table"
author: "Nate Kowalski, The Pattern Engineer of Detroit"
author_url: "https://cushionguide.com/masters/nate/"
published: "2026-03-25"
updated: "2026-03-25"
keywords: "multiple cushions on one bench, flush bench cushions, sectional bench cushion sizing, two cushions one bench, split bench cushion"
---

# Can you make several cushions that sit flush side by side on one bench?

*Yes, and the arithmetic is kinder than people expect. The catch is in how you order, not how you measure.*

Also asked as: Cushions more or less flush against each other?; Should I divide the size by two?

> **The quick answer:** Yes: measure the bench, divide the total length by the number of pieces, and order each cushion separately with its width, depth and thickness. Four 40 x 20 in cushions fill a 40 x 80 in bench flush. A single size such as 40 x 80 in is made as one piece. Write slightly smaller sizes only if you want gaps.

![Sand beige box cushion with chocolate brown piping on a built-in library bench under bookshelves, leather lumbar pillow](https://cushionguide.com/media/bench-cushions/sand-library-bench-cushion-chocolate-piping-1536.webp "Chocolate piping, a cognac leather lumbar and brass lamps give this built-in library bench its warm, old-study glow.")

## Key facts

- Each section is measured and ordered as its own cushion.
- For equal flush pieces, divide the total length by the number of pieces.
- A single ordered size, such as 40 x 80 in (102 x 203 cm), is made as one piece.
- Four 40 x 20 in (102 x 51 cm) cushions fill a 40 x 80 in space.
- Write slightly smaller sizes only if you want a gap between pieces.

## What you write, and what arrives

| You order | What arrives | How it sits |
|---|---|---|
| One 40 x 80 in (102 x 203 cm) cushion | One single piece | Covers the whole bench |
| Four 40 x 20 in (102 x 51 cm) cushions, each its own order | Four pieces | Flush, edge to edge |
| Two backrests, each half the bench length | Two pieces | Flush along the wall |
| Each piece written slightly smaller | Separate pieces | A small gap between them |

## Sizing flush sections in five moves

1. **Measure the whole bench**: Length, depth, and the thickness you want, in inches.
2. **Divide the length**: Total length over the number of pieces: 80 in over 4 is 20 in each.
3. **Write every cushion**: Width, depth and thickness for each piece, even when they match.
4. **Order each section separately**: One order or cart item per cushion. One size on one order is made as one piece.
5. **Decide on gaps**: Keep the exact division for flush pieces. Go slightly smaller only if you want daylight between them.

## Why flush pieces need no deduction

People shave a half inch off each section out of nerves, partner. Don't. Send the exact division; the fitting allowance is handled in production, and piping sits on the seams without adding to the size. Tolerance is kindness to your future self, and here it is already built in. The [tolerance pattern](https://cushionguide.com/guides/custom-cushion-size-tolerance/) explains how exact made to measure gets.

Where to split a long run is its own question; [one piece or two](https://cushionguide.com/guides/long-bench-cushion-one-piece-or-two/) covers it, and a lift-up lid has [its own rule](https://cushionguide.com/guides/storage-bench-cushion-hinged-lid/). Sketch your layout in the [bench cushion builder](https://cushionguide.com/studio/bench-cushion-builder/) first. How many pieces is your bench asking for?

> **Tailor's margin:** For flush cushions on one bench, divide the total length by the number of pieces: an 80 in run takes four 20 in cushions.

> A bench cushion ordered as one size, such as 40 x 80 in, arrives as one single piece; sections need a separate order for each cushion.
>
> — Nate

## Buyer questions

**A common question:** Can you make several cushions that sit flush against each other on one bench?

**The workshop's answer:** Yes. Measure each section and send the exact width, depth and thickness of every cushion. For two backrests along one bench, divide the total length by two; for a small gap between pieces, write the sizes slightly smaller.

**A common question:** If I order a 40 x 80 in cushion, will it come in one piece or several?

**The workshop's answer:** One single piece. For sections, place a separate order for each smaller cushion, for example four orders of 40 x 20 in.

**A common question:** Do you work in centimeters or inches, and which size will I get?

**The workshop's answer:** Either works; just state the unit. Dual-unit listings such as 36 x 20 in / 90 x 50 cm are made to the centimeter size unless you note the exact inches, and units are confirmed before quoting.

## Questions buyers ask next

### What do the two numbers in a bench cushion size mean?

The first number is the width, meaning the seat depth front to back; the second is the length. A 40 x 20 in section is 40 in deep and 20 in long, and the size describes the cushion itself.

### Can each section be an exact custom size?

Yes. Any length, width and thickness can be made, in centimeters or inches. Send the measurements, with a drawing for odd shapes, then order the nearest listed size with your exact size in the note, or pay through a custom link.

### Can back cushions and bolsters be ordered as a set with the seat?

Yes. Sets have combined a fitted mattress cover with back cushions and bolsters, for example a twin cover plus two stuffed L-shaped backrests. Round or L-shaped backs are both possible, and sizes follow your seat.

## Related at the atelier

- [Can you make a cushion in a custom shape, like a trapezoid or my own sketch?](https://cushionguide.com/answers/custom-shape-cushion-trapezoid-sketch/): Yes, a custom shape cushion can be made from a hand sketch or example photo that shows every measurement; the workshop reviews it and replies with options.
- [My size falls between two options. Which one do I choose?](https://cushionguide.com/answers/size-between-two-options-which-to-choose/): Choose the next larger size option, the one just above your measurements, and write your exact size in the personalization or note-to-seller box.
- [Can you make a cushion smaller than your smallest size option?](https://cushionguide.com/answers/cushion-smaller-than-smallest-size-option/): Yes, a cushion smaller than the smallest size option can be made: select the smallest or closest option and write your exact measurements in the personalization box.
- [Custom Bench Cushion as Three Velvet Pads: How to Measure It](https://cushionguide.com/readings/three-velvet-seat-pads-sage-rose-mink-oak-bench/): To measure a bench for separate seat pads, take the usable length at the front and back, subtract the gaps you want, and divide by the number of pads.
- [Custom Bench Cushion in Velvet: Four Colors, One Makeover](https://cushionguide.com/readings/four-velvet-box-cushions-rose-sage-mustard-cobalt/): To choose a velvet color for a custom bench cushion in a room makeover, photograph the room as it is, hold each candidate against the biggest fixed color in it, and pick the one that makes that…
- [Custom Bench Cushion in Sand Velvet on Weathered Teak](https://cushionguide.com/readings/sand-velvet-teak-bench-cushion-limewash-wall/): For an entryway, choose a custom bench cushion one step darker than the wall.
- [Cushions for lift-up storage benches: where to split and how to hold them](https://cushionguide.com/guides/storage-bench-cushion-hinged-lid/)
- [One long cushion or two? Splitting a long bench or window seat](https://cushionguide.com/guides/long-bench-cushion-one-piece-or-two/)

*± 1/4 in — Nate*

---

Written by Nate Kowalski (https://cushionguide.com/masters/nate/) for CushionGuide (https://cushionguide.com/about/). The site explains made-to-measure cushions and the partner workshop makes them; measurements are in inches first. This Markdown mirrors the page at https://cushionguide.com/answers/multiple-bench-cushions-flush-sizing/